FG Alerts Nigerians on Lagdo Dam Water Release from Cameroon, Warns of Possible Flooding

The Federal Government has alerted Nigerians about the planned release of water from the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon, which is expected to occur in the coming week.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by Umar Muhammed, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the controlled water release, starting at 100 cubic meters per second (100m³/s) on Tuesday, will gradually increase to 1000m³/s over the next seven days.

This release is driven by the inflow from the upstream Garoua River, the primary tributary feeding the Lagdo Dam and a significant contributor to the Benue River.

Muhammed reassured the public that the releases would be gradual to avoid overwhelming the Benue River system and mitigate the risk of substantial flooding in Nigeria.

“The dam operators have indicated that the planned water discharges will be gradual to avoid surpassing the conveyance capacity of the Benue River system and triggering substantial flooding downstream in Nigeria,” the statement read.

While NIHSA stated that there is no immediate cause for alarm, the agency urged states along the Benue River, including Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross Rivers, and Rivers, to remain vigilant.

It emphasised the need for government at all levels to prepare for potential flooding impacts during this period, as river levels may rise due to increased water flow.

“The agency unequivocally states that there is no need for alarm as major flooding downstream in Nigeria is not anticipated since the flow levels along the Benue River are still within cautionary limits,” the statement noted.

It also assured the public that NIHSA would continue monitoring the flow conditions of the Benue River and provide regular updates to prevent further flood disasters.

The release of water from the Lagdo Dam has long been a concern for Nigerians, as it has historically affected multiple states, particularly those along the Benue River.

The Lagdo Dam, situated in the Northern Province of Cameroon on the Benue River in the Niger basin, covers an area of 586 square kilometres.

Last week, flooding ravaged parts of Maiduguri, the Borno, the state capital. The disaster displaced thousands of residents and led to the death of dozens.

The flood is linked to the collapse of the Alau Dam, which had reportedly reached capacity over the past week. The incident marks the second major disaster caused by the dam, following a similar event in 1994, which led to widespread flooding in Maiduguri.

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